As I sit outside in the cool 80 degree weather (with breeze), I realize why I love summer. As a stay-at-home mom, the winter months can seem to drag on for years. The boys get restless, I get cabin fever, and we all get on each other’s last nerves. However, when summer rolls around, things quite down a bit...life seems to slow down.

The backyard becomes our constant companion and the pool our best friend. We have a little kiddie pool that my oldest son loves. He will stay in there for hours, just floating in the water, not even playing.

I love that even though the weather is warm -- the past few weeks have been in the 90’s with horrible humidity! -- we still love to head outside. We start out in the mornings and ride bikes, blow bubbles, or hit the park while it’s still “cool” (around 75 degrees).

It's back home for lunch, some “quiet” time/nap time, and then it's back outside to the yard where we swim, slide and swing all afternoon. I usually grill outside, and some nights we eat dinner at the picnic table, then play some more. It’s also a treat to eat fresh watermelon out on the patio and not have to worry about getting too messy. I can just hose the boys off if I want to!

We have the occasional thunder storm, of course, but those days make for great movie days where we cuddle on the couch and eat popcorn while watching our favorite Disney movies (currently Toy Story or Cars).

I think summers are easier on me as a stay-at-home mom. I’m in a better mood and so are the boys. Plus they are exhausted around 8 or 8:30 pm and ready for bed without too much of a fight. What mom can complain about that?

I know eventually the weather will turn cooler and we’ll be praying for snow days just so we can head outside for more fun, but right now we are enjoying the beautiful summer weather and don’t plan on taking it for granted.

Happy Summer Everyone!

Jillian Van Leer Jillian is 29 years old and is the mother of two boys: Aidan, who is 5 years old, and Owen who is 3 years old. Jillian couldn't wait for the day she became a mother, and now she's living her dream as a stay-at-home-mom. Read More >>